Jennifer Maestre Loves Color Pencils

Jennifer Maestre has managed to use color pencils in the most unique way that I have ever seen. Jennifer was first inspired by the formand function of a sea urchin which eventually lead her to develop such wonderful works of art. “The spines of the urchin, so dangerous yet beautiful, serve as an explicit warning against contact. The alluring texture of the spines draws the touch in spite of the possible consequences. The tension unveiled, we feel push and pull, desire and repulsion. The sections of pencils present aspects of sharp and smooth for two very different textural and aesthetic experiences. Paradox and surprise are integral in my choice of materials.”

But working with pencils was not the idea she originally had, she more than likely stumbled on it. “So, I experimented with other pointy things and techniques, and finally hit on turning pencils into beads and sewing them together. Using this combination of technique and materials allows me to retain all the qualities that I want in my work, with the potential for more variety of form.” Check out her site for more information and samples of her work…